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Kiko Milano

Monday, 6 March 2017

Kiko was at the top of my shopping list when I went on my holiday because it is one of those brands that we just can't get our hands on here in Australia. I have actually contacted Kiko on social media before and they said they were looking into expanding into the Australian market but their weren't any solid plans. Of course that meant that I had to take advantage of being in the vicinity of Kiko stores while I could.I picked these up from the Via del Corso store in Rome and if I'm being honest, it wasn't the greatest shopping experience. The store was tiny and packed to the brim with people. I had to stand behind other customers for at least 5 mins to get at each display. I was with my grandma and she just had to wait outside which was really awkward. I know it has a lot to do with the location on one of the most expensive shopping streets in Rome but I hope that they don't have stores this tiny if they ever come to Australia. Despite feeling like a sardine in a can, I still was really focused on buying some products to try so I persevered. Kiko Milano High Pigment Wet and Dry Eyeshadow in 03 and 47 €5.90 (approximately $8.25)

I read and watched a lot of Kiko reivews before going on holidays so that meant I made a immediately bee-line for the eyeshadow stand. From the first moment that I swatched these High Pigment shadows, I was so impressed. The name is really apt because they are seriously pigmented while still being smooth and buttery. They had a lot of different finishes but the mattes really stood out when I was playing so I picked up 03 (a neutral cream) and 47 (a warm medium brown). I have never used these wet because I never feel the desire to, the pigment is so intense when dry. I think if I had some metallics in this range, I might be more tempted to use them wet though. I bought these shades because the cream is very close to my skin colour so it is the perfect base shade and the brown is perfect for shading in my outer corner and crease.

Basic shading look using Kiko Milano High Pigment Wet and Dry Eyeshadows in 03 and 47.

Kiko Milano High Pigment Wet and Dry Eyeshadows in 03 and 47 swatches.

I'll be honest, when I first used this I was really underwhelmed, especially considering the amount of hype surrounding these shadows. Applied dry with a brush, they really just don't get the job done. Once I spritzed my brush with a little bit of the Maybelline Master Fix Setting Spray ($15.95) before dipping my brush in though, it looked fantastic. They really are a very fine but intense shimmer that really creates a foiled look. The picture below is when I used setting spray on my brush. After I took that photo though, I realised that these look incredibly intense when just applied dry with a finger. For the best and most pah-pow result, I would recommend applying more precisely with a brush spritz with setting spray and then just apply another layer over the top with a finger. As for the shade, I think I chose really well. The shade 200 is the prettiest warm gold. While these eyeshadows do have a trickier formula to work, I do understand the hype after experimenting a bit.

The quality of this eyeshadow is seriously amazing for the price. I wasn't that impressed with the mattes that I swatched in this range, and would definitely say the extra few bucks are worth it to buy the High Pigment shadows, but the metallics were really nice. I picked up this grey/taupe shimmer mostly because I already had similar shades to the others in my palettes. This shade looks great just applied all over the lid as the laziest but prettiest look. I would definitely recommend these as some seriously cheap but high quality shadows.

Kiko Milano Smart Colour Eyeshadow in 07 eye look.

Kiko Milano Smart Colour Eyeshadow in 07 swatch.

Kiko Milano Smart Eye Pencil in 802

I think this one might be discontinued because I got it on sale and I can't find it on the website. It really isn't a problem though because this was the only product I didn't like. I got it for only about $2 but even then, it isn't worth it. It is the hardest, stiffest pencil I have ever tried to the point where it hurts to try and use this on my eyes. The pigment doesn't pay off very well either. Basically, if it is still available, give it a miss.Kiko Milano Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipstick in 103 €8.95 (approximately $12.52)

How cool is this bullet shell packaging? I wanted to buy more than one lipstick but like I said, the store was insane! I absolutely love the one I did manage to pick up though. The Gossamer Emotion lipstick formula feels really velvety. I felt the silicone dimethicone base as soon as I applied them which was certainly different, but actually quite pleasant. It is a really thin formula that doesn't dry out my lips. While it isn't very long lasting, it will still give a good few hours of wear. The stand out for me with this lipstick though is really the colour. Look at that warm, peachy pink nude! I love it. Overall, they fell very luxe and like they should cost far more than they do. They are basically on par with Rimmel and Maybelline pricing! I would definitely like to get some more of these lipsticks, if only they would make them available here.

Kiko Milano Gossamer Edition Cream Lipstick in 103.

So there you have my rundown on all the products I picked up from Kiko in Italy. I think that loving all but I product is a pretty fantastic result. Now if only they would would expand their online store to deliver to Australia or, even better, open a store on our far-flung shores. Which is your favourite product from the ones I picked up? Is there some other products from Kiko I should try if I ever get the chance again? Let me know in the comments below.

Isn't it pretty? Yeah I find that with shimmers too but I always love ones that I can use a brush with. I think that is why Urban Decay's Sin is my favourite shimmer because it applies so well with a brush, no setting spray or fuss needed. Thanks for reading :)